Composite dye / superconductor sensors which can discriminate different wavelengths of light in the visible and near-infrared regions have been fabricated. By lithographically patterning 1500 Angstrom thick films of the superconductor YBa2Cu3O7(-delta) on MgO substrates, arrays of microbridges have been created. A layer of dye dispersed in a polymeric matrix is deposited on top of each bridge to create the wavelength selective light absorbing element. Each meandering path bridge is similar to 20 mu m wide and similar to 10 mm long. The device functions in a different manner to traditional semiconductor-based light sensing technologies in which a dye structure serves the role of a filtering agent. Here, the response of the hybrid dye/superconductor clement is amplified at wavelengths strongly absorbed by the dye layer. Such devices represent the initial steps towards a larger structure capable of simultaneously sensing wavelength bands from the visible through to the infrared. In addition to dye sensitization method, another approach to adding wavelength selectivity to detectors is described here in which interference effects in micromachined microbolometers are exploited.

A strategy for increasing the wavelength selectivity and responsivity of hybrid dye/superconductor optical sensors is described. Here, reflective 'mirror layers' deposited on the top surface of YBa2Cu3O7-(delta ) thin film devices are used to enhance the optical performance characteristics of such hybrid sensors. Quantification of the wavelength-selectivity for such detector structures is detailed for both dye/high-Tc superconductor and dye/mirror-layer/high-Tc superconductor systems. Optical response studies of the structures suggest that the inclusion of the mirror layer serves to enhance the wavelength-selectivity of the detector. Consequently, only the on-resonance signals captured by the dye layer are effectively sensed by the superconductor element. Measurements of the spectral response properties of the mirror layer-modified hybrid detectors show that energy transfer between the dye and superconducting elements is not diminished by the presence of this reflective layer.

A new method for enhancing the wavelength selectivity and responsivity of hybrid dye/superconductor optical sensors is described. Here, reflective ''mirror layers'' deposited atop the high-temperature superconductor, YBa2Cu3O7-delta, are used to enhance the optical performance characteristics of such hybrid sensors. Quantification of the wavelength selectivity for such detector structures is detailed for both dye/high-T-c superconductor and dye/mirror-layer/high-T-c superconductor systems. Optical studies suggest that the inclusion of the mirror layer serves to enhance the wavelength selectivity by reducing the amount of off-resonance signal generated by the detector. On the other hand, the on-resonance signals captured by the dye layer are effectively sensed by the superconductor element. Measurement of the wavelength-dependent optical responsivity of the mirror-layer-modified. hybrid detectors shows that energy transfer between the dye and superconducting elements is not diminished by the presence of this reflective layer.

This paper describes the design, construction and operation of hybrid dye/superconductor optical sensors. A reflective mirror layer positioned between the dye and superconductor components is used as a means to reject light signals that are not absorbed strongly by the dye. On resonance signals are shown to couple effectively with the underlying superconductor where they evoke measurable responses. These structures form the basis for color selective optical sensors.